The Single Cask Whisky Review #70: American Sour Mash 2011 5 Years Old

October 16, 2017

This week's review focuses on the 1st in a series of 9 expressions which were recently bottled by The Single Cask.

This American Sour Mash expression was sourced from one of two distilleries in Tennessee. While we're unable to mention the source, we can mention that of these two distilleries, one of them is Jack Daniel's. This expression was sourced from the other.

While the American Sour Mash is similar to a bourbon, there are two fundamental differences in the production process which sets it apart.

Firstly, the mash from an older batch is added to a new batch in order to kickstart the fermentation process due to the presence of live yeast cultures within the fermented mash.

This differs from the traditional bourbon production in the sense that yeast itself is added to the mash in order to ferment it, whereas sour mash relies on a fermented mash for the same process.

Secondly, Tennessee whisky can't be called bourbon as it undergoes an extra layer of filtration through charcoal in order to remove impurities. As the laws of bourbon production do not allow for any other type of filtration other than barrier filtration to remove large impurities, this means that the term "Bourbon" cannot be used for Tennessee whisky.

This expression was distilled in 2011, matured for 5 years in a charred American Oak barrel before being bottled at a cask strength abv of 59.7% by The Single Cask.

So, let's dive right into the review!

The Single Cask American Sour Mash 2011 5 Years Old (59.7% abv)

Colour: Copper

Nose: Initial entry presents hints of acetone followed by mellow oak, cotton candy and buttered popcorn. With time, hints of stewed apples, grainy hints, wood varnish, mint and hot cross buns emerge and are complemented by a whack of alcohol.

Palate: Initial entry presents more of the hot cross buns and mellow oak and it is followed by cinnamon, acetone, wood varnish, buttered popcorn and black pepper. The spiciness slightly sears the palate, but then coats it with a sweet and oily film which takes away some of the burn. There is a slightly herbal and green note to this dram and the grain emerges later on.

Finish: Medium to long on the finish, with vestigial hints of oak and acetone complementing the sweetness and black pepper. Hints of green tea emerge towards the very end.

Balance: A rather well-balanced and enjoyable expression which showcases some elegance and poise considering its relative youth. The cask strength nature of this dram provides for an interesting drinking experience and the mouthfeel is largely oily with a hint of dryness towards the end.

This expression can be purchased by the bottle or the dram or as a part of our "The Single Cask Around The World" flight for in-bar consumption or by the bottle for retail/takeaway purposes.

Please approach our friendly staff and they will be more than happy to assist you with your enquiries.